Three themes have been set for Next month’s GIMA AGM and Day Conference (10 April, Ettington Chase, Warwickshire) - Dobbies, Disruption and Megatrends.

Headlining the Conference will be Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies Garden Centres. With 38 stores across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, Dobbies a leading garden centre chain; Marcus will outlines what Dobbies will be doing to develop the market and highlight how Dobbies works collaboratively with suppliers to create opportunities in the marketplace.

In a special session entitled ‘The UK Gardening Industry – futureproof or ripe for disruption?’, Steve Collinge, MD of Insight Retail Group Ltd and executive editor of Insight DIY, will tap into knowledge garnered from a 30-year career with companies like LG Harris, Spear & Jackson, Cuprinol and Akzo Nobel Dulux, exploring ways that the industry can prep itself for the unknown, as well as recognising its strength in a time of retail turmoil.

The effect of consumer-facing megatrends on the gardening of tomorrow will be studied in Philip Benton’s session. As research manager for Euromonitor International’s Home & Tech division, he will outline the latest ‘megatrends’ and explain how they have the power to transform and disrupt entire product categories. He will draw from Euromonitor's home and garden research to show how the gardening market is being shaped by these global drivers.

GIMA’s AGM, a closed event for members only, will take place before the conference opens.

Tickets cost £60 + VAT for GIMA members and £120 + VAT for non-members. You can book on-line here www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA team by email info@gima.org.uk